When Nam Aujla was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD) on June 15 of this year, it put his life into perspective. He realized he wanted to make the most of the time ahead, making sure he did not take anything for granted.
For the past two years, Nam had been experiencing a resting tremor in his left hand. He and his loving wife of 32 years, Kelly, both hoped it was an essential tremor. However, once they looked into the extremely vivid, active dreams he was having and saw they lined up with REM sleep behaviour disorder (RBD), an early sign of PD, they suspected it might be more. When the doctor confirmed that his mysterious symptoms were indeed Parkinson’s, his family was shocked. Nam, however, was not surprised. He was relieved to finally have an answer and ready to move forward. After the appointment, he went to the gym and then to work, carrying on with his day as usual. For the next two weeks, life continued much the same, until a song stirred something deep within him. The emotion was overwhelming, and for the first time in many decades, Nam found himself in tears.
He worked for Correctional Service of Canada for 29 years until his recent retirement, teaching programs to inmates, including sex offenders with difficulties in adaptive functioning. While sometimes stressful, Nam describes the hope that watching people improve inspired in him. He also facilitated support groups for Punjabi fathers involved in domestic violence in his community of Abbotsford. “If I can change one person, I’ve done my job,” Nam says.
One thing that has been a constant in Nam’s life for the past five years is exercise, and it has never been more important than after his Parkinson’s diagnosis. He enjoys running and hiking three to four times a week, often making it a social occasion with friends. Nam also regularly goes to the gym, does CrossFit, and plays on a football league. After he learned he has PD, Nam has added boxing and balance exercises into his routine. Physical activity gives him an outlet for processing his emotions and making important decisions. “Why not do it?” he asks. “Exercise can extend your life!”
Less than a week after Nam’s diagnosis, he immediately sprang into action and found community in a support group. It was an immense relief to talk with people who understood exactly what he was going through. “It made me feel that I’m not crazy,” he says, especially about the vivid dreams that he was reassured to hear others had experienced, too. Kelly has also joined a support group, where she can connect with others who understand the carepartner journey.
Nam says his greatest advice to others newly diagnosed is that they are not alone. He emphasizes the importance of joining a support group, as well as leaning on loved ones. He treasures time with his family, including his three daughters, one son-in-law, and two beautiful granddaughters, and feels motivated by their love every day.
Nam also encourages others to make time for the things they have always wanted to do, whether that means travelling, pursuing a passion, or simply making memories with the people that matter most. His message is simple: “Don’t wait. If there is something you want to do, do it now.” As Nam looks to the future, he is doing what he has always done: keeping active, staying connected, and making every moment count.